Former high sheriff suing provincial government over dismissal

A former high sheriff of Newfoundland and Labrador is suing the provincial government for what he considers a wrongful dismissal after being let go in October of last year.

Ernest Boone held the position of high sheriff for six years until he was summoned to the office of the deputy minister of justice at Confederation Building, where he was given a letter dismissing him from his position with cause.

Boone said he doesn't know why he was fired and that there is no evidence in his work history to justify dismissal with cause.

According to a statement of claim filed with the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, "the department's decision to terminate him 'for cause' was unfounded, harsh, unwarranted, unjust and unlawful.'"

Old-fashioned

Boone said the high sheriff is appointed by government and and serves "at pleasure" of the Lieutenant Governor in Council and that the appointment can be revoked at pleasure.

He describes that arrangement as old-fashioned, however, and unlike that of any other public servant.

"In modern law he is entitled to the same contractual rights while employed and upon termination as would be applicable were he an ordinary public service contractual employee," the statement of claim reads.

Boone said he has suffered significant financial loss and damage to his reputation due to the dismissal and is looking for lost wages and more.

The Department of Justice says it will not comment as the matter is now before the court.